Veterans can deal with the kid stuff

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell are far from senior citizen status, but as the elders on a Celtics roster that averages 28 years of age, they receive their share of friendly ribbing for having actually witnessed the "old school."

Brown turns 39 in October, Cassell in November. When a younger teammate quips about his age, Brown isn't afraid to give it back.

"I don't have a problem with it," said Brown with a grin. "I will tell them I'll put them over my knee if I have to. I think a lot of these guys are probably still sucking their thumbs anyway."

Brown tries to share the smooth sounds of R&B music with his younger teammates. Cassell likes to put together a trendy outfit, and if it isn't just right, he is sure to hear about it.

Kendrick Perkins, the 23-year-old center, has his share of fun with Cassell.

"I always kid Sam because Sam thinks he's young," Perkins said.

But jokes aside, Perkins said he respects Brown and Cassell.

"It's just a blessing to see them playing at that age and moving and still have that type of energy," said Perkins. "The thing is, they are always positive. They're never panicking. They help us a lot."

This is Brown's 15th NBA season. He was drafted 29th overall in 1992 by the New Jersey Nets. His other stops included Miami, Charlotte/New Orleans, and Chicago, with whom he averaged 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds last season.

Brown came out of "semi-retirement" in February for the opportunity to win a championship with the Celtics. He has provided quality play off the bench, averaging 19 minutes through three games of the Eastern Conference finals.

"I always thought 10 years would be the maximum I would achieve in my career," Brown said. "I never dreamed this in a million years. I'm very fortunate to be here.

"I just try to give my best no matter what. In a weird way, I feel like I'm a better player than I was because mentally and the knowledge that I've developed over the years helps me to stay in the game and still be effective."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers played against both Brown and Cassell toward the end of his 13-year NBA career. He said Brown's deceiving 6-foot-11-inch frame caught his attention.

"P.J., you just saw the potential and knew he was going to be a good player," Rivers said. "He was athletic and long and always longer than you thought when you got to the basket on him."

Rivers was injured and not on the active roster when his Knicks met Cassell's Rockets during the 1994 NBA Finals.

"I was in street clothes, so I just remember this young guy making big shots in New York and it changed the series," Rivers said. "Other than that, I really don't have a big memory of him. It's a shame that I don't remember playing against him. That's not good for him. When you remember someone, that means they've done something to you."

Cassell, a 15-year veteran, signed with the Celtics in March. With two championship rings and 11 seasons of playoff experience, Cassell has provided backcourt stability coming off the bench.

Cassell remembers when, as a rookie, he used to call former Rockets teammate Earl Cureton "Pops." Now Cassell is the one being called "Pops."

"It's an honor to be old in this league," he said. "There are a whole lot of young guys who are 24 and 25 who aren't in this league anymore. You play in your late 30s in this league, you've had a hell of a career."

Paul Pierce said he isn't one to taunt teammates about their age. He turns 31 in October.

"I respect the veterans on the team and respect what they've been through," he said. "Some of the younger guys probably tease them, but I'm not too far behind them."

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com